Inclusion Matters

AUGUST 2025

Mother, Mentor, and Mission-Driven Advocate

Marissa Madrid has a lot on her plate these days. Between working full time as a Mentor for Advocates, earning her college degree, acting as the primary orchestrator for various inclusive groups and clubs around town, all on top of being a full-time parent to four children, one might wonder how she’s able to manage it all. But after learning about her beautiful family, the glowing reviews she has received from people within Advocates, the success of the groups she oversees, and the dedication she displayed in having gone back to school, any wonder about her ability to juggle everything quickly turns to awe and appreciation.

Marissa has worked for Advocates for five years and was encouraged to enter the field of disability services by a family member who also works for the agency. “It was one of the best moves I’ve ever made,” she told us. In addition to the purpose behind her work and the satisfaction she receives in helping others, she explained that there’s been another huge benefit of joining the Advocates team – one that was not apparent to her initially. 

“Working for Advocates has opened so many doors for me and my family,” she said, noting that she has a teenage son with disabilities. “Having been exposed to the field and the many types of services out there has helped so much. He’s thriving and doing ten times better now that he receives services.”

Though Marissa admits her family will always be her top priority, her dedication to her job and the people she supports is undeniable. “Every day, I try to put my individuals first and do what I can to help others have fun,” she said. It’s these two principles that have contributed to her being someone families can truly count on.

“We are fortunate that Marissa became a new mentor for Scott (pictured right) this year,” said Jane Dagenais. “She has introduced him to new people and found group activities for him.” In addition to Marissa’s dedication to her job, Scott values her friendship as much as anything else. “(She is) Truly masterful at being a pleasing, good friend,” he said when describing Marissa. 

While Marissa finds her work both fulfilling and fun, she acknowledges it comes with its own set of challenges. “Communication in general can be challenging for many people with disabilities, and I found this out firsthand when I started,” she said. “As with any challenge, it’s tough, but don’t ever give up. I try to always embrace challenges.”

It’s in facing those everyday challenges that she finds perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. “I’m very proud of my individuals, especially when we achieve goals together,” she beamed. A young woman Marissa supports set out to organize a group of friends for regular social events and outings. That group has blossomed into a group of 10 friends, and they have been enjoying each other’s company and various activities for months. Perhaps Marissa’s most popular and best-attended group is a bingo club. Upon its establishment, it quickly gained popularity, eventually catching the attention of The Autism Society, who now proudly sponsors it. Today, dozens of people with disabilities, their friends and family members, and their support staff participate in this monthly endeavor. But it’s neither the size of the group nor the publicity it receives that matters to Marissa. 

“Growing people’s social network, making friends, and seeing people come out of their shells in the process is so heartwarming,” she said. “Seeing this interaction and people’s growth is why I love my job.” And though she recently graduated from Bryant & Stratton with a degree in Health Service Administration, Marissa assured us she’s not going anywhere.

“I absolutely love what I’m doing now, but I’m always open to adding more on my plate.” She also mentioned the other big incentive for pursuing higher education later in life. “My real reason for going to school was to show my kids it’s never too late to do something.”

When Marissa isn’t busy supporting someone at work or at home, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, going for hikes, exploring new places in nature, swimming, and reading.

For Marissa, her work has become deeply personal to her. The bonds she’s helped to form, the doors she’s opened, and the growth she’s seen are unlike anything she’s seen in any of her previous jobs. “It makes me feel like I’m truly needed and wanted,” she said. From all of us at Advocates, we assure you that you are, Marissa.

Do you have a friend or family member who

would make a great Mentor?

If so, please encourage them to apply on our website.

We look forward to meeting them!

Finance 101: Credit, Fraud, Awareness, Budgeting and Savings Basics

August 20, 2025 @ 6 PM

(In-Person Event)

SFCU Community Space:

8062 Brewerton Road, Cicero

Presented by: Hannah VanBenthuysen (Burnett) | Financial Education Officer, SFCU

Charitable Giving Strategies to Maximize Impact and Minimize Taxes

Tuesday, September 16 @ 6pm

(virtual event)

Presented by:

Mike Fitzgerald CFP®, APMA™, CRPC™

Certified Financial Planner Practitioner

Fitzgerald Custom Wealth Planning of

Raymond James

Looking After Our Mental Health: Building Awareness & Support

Thursday, September 25 @ 6pm

(virtual event)

Presented by Kristine Knutson

Manager of Community Programs, 

Contact Community Services

Although these events are free to attend, eligible individuals must be enrolled in our FSS Training program in order to register.

Looking for a fantastic local restaurant to try? Home Team Pub is a go-to spot for Central New York sports fans – a place to catch the game with your favorite drink and a menu that is sure to please everyone!

Join us on Tuesday, September 23rd from 4pm–11pm and enjoy pizza, wings, home-made sandwiches, great salads, and more!

Located at 7990 Oswego Road, Home Team Pub will generously donate 15% of the proceeds back to Advocates.

Make a plan to bring your family, friends and coworkers and enjoy some of Home Team Pub’s delicious entrees while supporting children and adults with disabilities! We hope that you will join in the fun!

On behalf of our individuals, families, and employees, thank you for your anticipated support! We hope to see you there!

Celebrate 20 Years and Join Us "Fore" a Great Cause!

Advocates’ 20th Annual Golf Tournament is right around the corner, and we’d love for you to be part of this special milestone event!

Join us on Wednesday, September 17th at the beautiful Timber Banks Golf Club in Baldwinsville, featuring a stunning Jack Nicklaus Design course. Enjoy 18 holes of golf with cart, golfer gifts, on-course contests, lunch, beverages, a post-play networking reception, awards, an exciting auction, and a dinner buffet overlooking the scenic grounds.

Whether you’re a longtime participant or new to the tournament, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day of golf while making a meaningful impact.

Not a golfer? No problem! Sponsorship and donation opportunities are available, which are a great way to promote your business and support children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Advocates.

Let’s make our 20th year the best one yet!

Promote your business while supporting Advocates!

Pin flag sponsorships are another way to get involved in supporting this year's golf tournament. A pin flag in golf is a flag attached to the flagstick on the green to mark the hole's location. Because every golfer encounters every hole on the golf course, they will also see every pin flag. Therefore, pin flags make for wonderful marketing opportunities!



These durable and high-quality flags will be framed and returned to you after the tournament to keep as a memento. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from the sales of pin flags will benefit children and adults with disabilities.

Online Auction

In conjunction with our Annual Golf Tournament, we're running an online auction, featuring gift certificates for various day trips, gift cards to local restaurants, spa and wellness packages, and much more! The auction is a great way to support our Golf Tournament and people with disabilities in the process. This auction is open to everyone! Please share this fundraiser with your family and friends. Simply click the button below to start bidding.

We thank you for your support!

Advocates' Executive Director, Amy Dugliss, and Self-Advocate, Nicholas Courgi, collaborate each month to bring you an Advocates-themed podcast! The Inclusion Matters Podcast can be found by searching "Inclusion Matters Advocates" on Amazon Music and Spotify.

We hope you'll tune in monthly to hear inspiring stories from Advocates!

In case you missed it!

Check out a previous edition's spotlight on one of Advocates' dedicated Mentors, Tora Ryder!